Extensible table



y 1967 E. R. HAGWELL 3,318,268

EXTENS I BLE TABLE Original Filed Dec. 10, 1964 Edward R.Hc1 gWe11 INVENTOR.

United States Patent 3,318,268 EXTENSEBLE TABLE Edward R. Hagweil, 1530 flcean Beach Highway, Longview, Wash. 98632 Continuation of application Ser. No. 417,359, Dec. 10, 1964. This application Feb. 15, 1966, Ser. No. 552,653 2 Claims. (Ci. 108-25) This invention relates to an extensible table provided with a rectangular table top which may be supported by legs. The table includes extension pieces which may be mounted selectively adjacent the four margins which bound the table top to increase the overall dimensions of the table. The table is converted into a dinette-type table of approximately elliptical form with only two extension pieces added to abut against one set of opposed margins of the table top. If another two extension pieces are added to the other set of opposed margins of the table top, a larger table of substantially circular outline is formed.

This application comprises a continuation of my earlier filed application entitled, Extensible Table, filed Dec. 10, 1964, having Ser. No. 417,359, now abandoned.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide an extensible table of the above-mentioned description, comprising a rectangular compartment structure and a cover member of rectangular outline including the table top, the cover member being hinged to the compartment structure and functioning to close off the top of the compartment structure. The enclosed compartment formed with the cover member resting on top of the compartment structure may be utilized in storing the extension pieces employed to extend the dimensions of the table.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the table top is plane and of relatively small compass. The extension pieces preferably have one set of sides that are plane, and on their opposite set of sides may be provided with pockets. Depending upon which side is mounted up, a completed table may be formed having a top which is plane throughout, or a top adapted for the playing of games with pockets distributed at intervals about the outside of the table which may be utilized in holding poker chips, cards, etc.

An important feature and object of the invention is the provision in the table of two distinct types of extension pieces. Thus, one pair of extension pieces is contemplated for mounting against one set of opposed margins of the table top, where each piece includes an expanse bounded by opposed spaced apart edges that form continuations of the other set of opposed margins in the table top with the piece mounted in place. These pieces around their outer perimeters are arcuately curved, and thus when these pieces are mounted in place a substantial extension of the table is produced, the table resulting having pleasingly curving ends, and being well suited for use as a dinette table. Another pair of extension pieces is contemplated, where each piece is adapted to be mounted against one of said other pair of opposed margins in the table top. Each piece has .a length which exceeds the margin of the table which it is intended to be abutted against, the extra length of the piece being provided for the purpose of producin an overlap with each of the firstmentioned type of pieces. With all four pieces in place, a substantially circular table results of greater size than the original rectangular table top.

A further object of this invention is to provide means for fixing each of the extension pieces in place operable to hold the piece firmly and in the exact position desired, whereby with the addition of other pieces a matched fit is produced.

A related and particular object of the invention comprises the provision of means for supporting each of the first-mentioned type of extension pieces in place with the piece against a margin of the table top, which means is mounted on the cover member in the table. As a consequence, the cover member including the table top may be swung to one side to expose the earlier described opentopped compartment structure, with such extension pieces moving to one side with the cover member. As a consequence, when it is desired to convert the table from a dinette-type table to a larger, circular table, it is not necessary to remove the already attached extension pieces prior to obtaining access to the compartment structure and any extension pieces lodged therein.

Further features and objects of the invention will become more fully apparent as the following description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a table embodying this invention, with two extension pieces shown in full lines and with two pieces shown in dotted outline, thus to illustrate the manner in which the several extension pieces may be arranged and locked in place;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a cover member in the table parted from a compartment structure which normally supports it, whereby the interior of the compartment structure is exposed, and further showing how extension pieces may be arranged flatwise within the compartment structure;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional detail of the underside of an extension piece, with the same abutting against a margin of the table top, showing a brace member which supports the extension piece and locking mechanism whereby the extension piece is locked securely in place; and

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 44 in FIG. 3.

Describing now the specific embodiment of the invention herein disclosed, the table contemplated comprises an upper cover member 3 of substantially rectangular outline adapted to rest on and be supported by a rectangular, open-topped compartment structure shown generally at 4. The cover member and compartment structure are hingedly joined together by hinge means (not shown) which permits the cover member to be swung to one side to expose the open top of the compartment structure, as best illustrated in FIG. 2. The cover member and compart-- ment structure are supported in an elevated position by four legs 2 at the corners of the table.

Cover member 3 comprises a rectangular table top 1, which may be a smooth-surfaced panel as shown. Joined to the underside of the table top is frame structure in the form of four depending flange portions 3a which substantially parallel the four bounding margins of table top 1. The cover member is hinged to compartment structure 4, with the hinge axis lying in the plane of the under surface of compartment structure 4. Compartment structure 4 includes flange portions 4a extending upwardly from the under surface of the compartment structure, which define a rectangular storage compartment or chamber 5. This compartment is of smaller compass than the rectangular space bounded by flange portions 3a, so that when the cover member is lowered over the compartment structure 4 to close 0d the top of storage chamber 5, the parting line between the cover member and compartment structure is hidden.

Extending diagonally across chamber 5 and opposite corners defined by flange portions 4a is a divider member 7 which divides the chamber into two triangular shaped trays 10. These trays may be employed for the storage of extension pieces, such as those shown at 6a and 6b.

It is contemplated that four extension pieces be provided, two of them resembling piece 6a and two resembling piece 6b. Extension pieces 6a are of a distinctly diiferent type than extension pieces 617. Thus, and describing a piece 6a, these pieces have a shape which is roughly half of anellipse, and are bounded by a straight edge 6c and an arcuately curved outer peripheral edge which curves over a relatively large radius. As best seen in FIG. 1, piece 6a has a somewhat greater length than the side margin of the table top which it rests against when mounted in operative position. Each extension piece 61) is somewhat shorter than extension piece 6a, and as can be seen in FIG..1 has opposed parallel edges which form continuations of a set of opposed margins of the table top with the extension piece in place. Each piece 6!: further includes an arcuately curved peripheral edge which preferably is curved about the same radius as the radius of curvature employed for piece 6a. Table top 1 preferably has a square outline, and thus all of the four margins bounding the table top have equal lengths.

Referring particularly to FIG. 4, extending through each etxension piece is a double-headed slidable keeper forming a knobbed detent 8. Such detent is slidably mounted so that it may be forced upwardly or so that it may depend vertically downwardly under the influence of gravity. These detents are provided as part of the means for securing the extension pieces in place about the table top.

When the extension pieces are stored within chamber 5, one extension piece 6a is placed in each of the trays 10, against the bottom of compartment structure 4. Piece 6a is proportioned so that the length thereof corresponds approximately to the length of divider member 7. The relatively acute ends of piece 6a fit snugly within the acute angle formed where divider member '7 joins with a corner defined by flange portions 4a. Thus, the extension pieces 6a are prevented from movement and rattling when in place within the trays. Further serving to add stability to the parts is a recess 9 provided in the bottom of compartment structure 4 in each tray, which recess receives the lower end of a detent 8 when the same hangs pendent by gravity from extension piece 6a. Pieces 6b are stacked over pieces. 6a, with one in each of the trays 10.

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 3, piece 6a along its straight edge 60, and piece 61) along its corresponding straight edge, are each provided with an elongated groove 14. Extending along the four margins of the table top are a series of tongues separated by grooves 1511 at uniform modules. These tongues define a decorative frieze about the four margins of the table top. In addition to producing this decorative effect, the tongues serve as a positioning aid whereby each extension piece may be fitted in its exactly proper position adjacent the side margin of the table top, and when held against this margin prevent it from shifting laterally relative to the table top margins which extend at right angles to the margin to which the piece is abutted. As can be seen best in FIG. 3, within groove 14 and spaced at regular modules therealong, is a series of locating flanges 16. These are of a tapered section as is shown in FIG. 3, with a tip narrower than the base portion. With an extension piece abutted against a margin of the table top, these locating flanges wedge within grooves 15a separating tongues 15, and with the piece snugly against the side margin of the table top produce precise positioning of the piece.

Each extension piece is supported in a position with the top thereof substantially in the plane of table top 1 by means of a brace, such as the one shown at 12, mounted within a slot 11 extending along one of the flanges 3a forming part of cover member 3." These braces are pivoted to swing about a pin or screw 13, and with the extension pieces separated from the table top may assume a position flush with the outer face of flange portion 3a. When used to support an extension piece, a brace member is swung about its pivot pin 13 whereby one end extends out from the flange 3a on which the member is mounted. It is for this reason that reference is made in the claimsto such a brace as an extensible means. With d the end of a brace so extended, it directly underlies the bottom surface of an extension piece abutting a side margin of the table.

For the purpose of locking an extension piece to a side margin of the table top, a latch such as the one shown at 17 is provided adjacent the extensible end of each brace. Each latch is flexible, and is adapted to engage the midportion or shank of a detent 8 in a region of the detent which depends from the bottom surface of an extension piece with the extension piece held horizontal. The friction developed between the latch and detent prevent the brace from swinging to a position resulting in release of the detent. The latch itself, together with the brace, holds the extension piece supported above the brace from being withdrawn outwardly from the margin of the table top to which the piece is locked or keyed by tongues 15 earlier described.

As earlier discussed, the extension pieces may be provided with flat surfaces on one side for the purpose of making a table having a substantially flat expanse over the entire top thereof. The pieces on their opposite sides may be provided with pockets, such as the pockets shown at 6a, which with the pieces inverted face upwardly and convert the table to one suited for the playing of games.

Describing now how the table is used and some of its advantages, with all of the extension pieces separated and stored within the trays 10 a relatively small rectangular table results. To convert the table into one having a longer shape, resembling a type of dinette, extension pieces 6b are removed from the trays and abutted against one set of opposed side margins of the table top, in the manner above described. When properly positioned, the opposed parallel side edges of each of these extension pieces form a continuation of the side margins of the table top which are left exposed after the addition of the extension pieces. The outline of the table which results is one which might be described as roughly elliptical in shape.

In the event that an even larger table is desired, such as a dining table or a game playing table, extension pieces 6a may be mounted in place, in the manner indicated in FIG. 1, with straight edges 60 of these pieces at the ends of the pieces overlapping the opposed parallel edges discussed in connection with pieces 6b. The outline of the table which then results is one which is substantially circular in form.

It is important to note that with pieces 6b in place, and by reason of the fact that the braces are mounted through flange portions 3a of the cover member 3, to obtain access to chamber 5 by lifting of the cover member it is not necessary first to remove the pieces 6b, as these swing upwardly to one side of the compartment structure together with the cover member when the cover member is swung to one side. Thus, to convert the table from a dinette type table to a circular table, the table top, together with the attached extension pieces 6b are swung upwardly, and it is only necessary then to remove the stored pieces 6a and mount them in place.

While an embodiment of the invention has been described, obviously modifications and variations are possible without departing from the invention, it is desired to cover all such variations as would be apparent to one skilled in the art and that come within the scope of the appended claims.

It is claimed and desired to secure by Letters Patent:

1. An extensible table comprising a cover member including a rectangular table top and frame structure joined to the underside of said table top; compartment structure having an open top supporting the cover member with the table top substantially horizontal and in an elevated position above the ground, and with the cover member closing off the compartment structure to form an enclosed compartment; said frame structure including an upper marginal region which is disposed above the top of said compartment structure; multiple, separable.

extension pieces sized to fit within the compartment adapted to be placed against the four side margins of the table top to enlarge the size of the table; means under each side margin of the table top mounted on said upper marginal portion of the frame structure, having extended and retracted positions, for supporting an extension piece with such piece in place against the side margin of the table top; said means on moving between extended and retracted positions relative to the table top having an inner portion moving in a space above the compartment structure; and means hingedly joining the frame structure of the cover member to the compartment structure enabling the cover member together with any extension pieces supported by said extensible means to be swung to one side of the compartment structure, thereby to open up the top of the compartment structure.

2. The extensible table of claim 1, wherein each extension piece is provided with a slidable keeper extending through the extension piece, which keeper forms a knobbed detent, and the means extensible from a side of the rectangular frame structure comprises a pivoted brace member having an end adapted to engage said knobbed detent,

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 811,209 1/1906 Farrell l0866 829,439 8/1906 De Simone l0866 1,274,475 8/1918 Wanner l0866 1,411,741 4/ 1922 Merdzinski l0866 1,655,607 1/1928 Hueter l0866 1,735,879 11/ 1929 Reynolds 312-316 2,022,013 11/1935 Thomas 10850 2,472,722 6/ 1949 Newstead 10825 2,595,845 5/1952 HagWell l0866 2,955,888 10/1960 Graves 108--69 FRANK B. SHERRY, Primary Examiner.

FRANCIS K. ZUGEL, Examiner. 

1. AN EXTENSIBLE TABLE COMPRISING A COVER MEMBER INCLUDING A RECTANGULAR TABLE TOP AND FRAME STRUCTURE JOINED TO THE UNDERSIDE OF SAID TABLE TOP; COMPARTMENT STRUCTURE HAVING AN OPEN TOP SUPPORTING THE COVER MEMBER WITH THE TABLE TOP SUBSTANTIALLY HORIZONTAL AND IN AN ELEVATED POSITION ABOVE THE GROUND, AND WITH THE COVER MEMBER CLOSING OFF THE COMPARTMENT STRUCTURE TO FORM AN ENCLOSED COMPARTMENT; SAID FRAME STRUCTURE INCLUDING AN UPPER MARGINAL REGION WHICH IS DISPOSED ABOVE THE TOP OF SAID COMPARTMENT STRUCTURE; MULTIPLE, SEPARABLE EXTENSION PIECES SIZED TO FIT WITHIN THE COMPARTMENT ADAPTED TO BE PLACED AGAINST THE FOUR SIDE MARGINS OF THE TABLE TOP TO ENLARGE THE SIZE OF THE TABLE; MEANS UNDER EACH SIDE MARGIN OF THE TABLE TOP MOUNTED ON SAID UPPER MARGINAL PORTION OF THE FRAME STRUCTURE, HAVING EXTENDED AND RETRACTED POSITIONS, FOR SUPPORTING AN EXTENSION PIECE WITH SUCH PIECE IN PLACE AGAINST THE SIDE MARGIN OF THE TABLE TOP; SAID MEANS ON MOVING BETWEEN EXTENDED AND RETRACTED POSITIONS RELATIVE TO THE TABLE TOP HAVING AN INNER PORTION MOVING IN A SPACE ABOVE THE COMPARTMENT STRUCTURE; AND MEANS HINGEDLY JOINING THE FRAME STRUCTURE OF THE COVER MEMBER TO THE COMPARTMENT STRUCTURE ENABLING THE COVER MEMBER TOGETHER WITH ANY EXTENSION PIECES SUPPORTED BY SAID EXTENSIBLE MEANS TO BE SWUNG TO ONE SIDE OF THE COMPARTMENT STRUCTURE, THEREBY TO OPEN UP THE TOP OF THE COMPARTMENT STRUCTURE. 